URBANA — The observance of Memorial Day is happening in Illinois this year with far fewer ceremonies than usual. The coronavirus outbreak has put a damper on all public gatherings — including those held to remember military personnel and veterans who have died. Veterans groups in Mattoon and Georgetown are among those holding Memorial Day ceremonies…
We hear countless stories about COVID-19 and the health workers fighting the disease on the front lines every day, but very few of those stories are geared toward children. That inspired a University of Illinois medical student to write a children’s book, “Heroes of a Pandemic.” Illinois Newsroom’s Brian Moline speaks with U of I…
The public hasn’t been allowed in Illinois’ public libraries for about two months, due to fears of spreading the coronavirus. Contact with public libraries has been limited to online services. But eventually, libraries will reopen to the public. And the staff at the Champaign and Urbana libraries are making plans for welcoming their patrons, while…
URBANA – Live theater in America has been largely shut down for the past two months, due to the coronavirus outbreak. In central Illinois, theater groups are experimenting with performing online, while they wait for the time they can bring actors and audiences together again in the same building. Jim Meadows reports on how theater…
URBANA – People in the Champaign-Urbana community and beyond are invited to take part in the first C-U Sing-Along Saturday at 4pm. The event will be led via Facebook, and participants are invited to join in wherever they are, and post videos of their own singing. The Sing-Along is being organized by several groups,…
The Rose Bowl Tavern in downtown Urbana has been open since 1946, but it’s never experienced anything quite like the COVID-19 pandemic. Charlie Harris is one of the Rose Bowl’s owners. Illinois Public Media’s Brian Moline spoke with him about what happens when a tavern can no longer be a tavern. Illinois Newsroom’s Brian…
In the third week since Illinois’ governor banned going out to bars and dining out, restaurants are in limbo as they scramble to get by on takeout and…
The arts community has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 outbreak. Illinois Newsroom’s Brian Moline recently spoke with Kelly White, Executive Director of 40 North, the Champaign County Arts Council. Brian Moline discusses COVID-19’s impact on the Champaign County arts community with Kelly White. White described just how the arts community in Champaign County…
A joint production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Cabaret” opened Thursday night at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana. The Illinois Theatre, Dance at Illinois, and Lyric Theatre @ Illinois programs are combining to put on this production in celebration of Krannert Center’s 50th anniversary. Illinois Newsroom’s Brian Moline spoke with Cabaret director…
CHAMPAIGN — “That’s What She Said” will be taking the stage for its sixth installment this Saturday night at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign. Ten women from the Champaign-Urbana area will share personal stories in a monologue format. The She Said Project’s national director, Jenette Jurczyk, said every performance is “like a window and a…
URBANA – For decades, the people of Urbana have marveled at the architecture of the county courthouse, built in 1901, and dozens of other buildings in its downtown. Now the historic downtown district is receiving national recognition. This week, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced the Downtown Urbana Historic District is one of 12…
The chamber orchestra Sinfonia da Camera is in concert Saturday night at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The program starts at 7:30 p.m.
Award-winning violinist Rachel Barton Pine is the featured soloist with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra this weekend, first for their concert at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Saturday night, then for a special Sunday Salon fundraising event at Urbana Country Club on Sunday. Brian Moline speaks with violinist Rachel Barton Pine. Pine will perform the…